Notes of Interest

Today I share with you a few notes of interest designed to inform of matters that I feel are of importance to you.

Holy Convocation Weekend

I remind you that this Friday, January 25, each organized church and/or church district throughout ATCU is invited to celebrate the ordinance of humility and the communion service. Also, the following day, Sabbath, January 26, you are invited to participate in prayer and study of the Bible in accordance with the plans for Holy Convocation and revival and reformation.

Logos Bible Software

In response to the request by some of you to make the Logos Bible software training simple and practical in sermon preparation, I have spoken with professional trainer Morris Proctor. Accordingly, he has committed to adjust his teaching and presentations to meet our needs. Additionally, he has promised to include tips for the use of the iPad and smart phone in applying the Logos Bible software. I remind you that the training for elders is Sunday, February 10, and for advance learners and pastors on Monday and Tuesday, February 11-12 at the union office on Gladstone Road. I note that only a few spaces remain for the advance training Feb. 11-12. However, there is much space for the Sunday (one day) session. You would want to contact Mrs. Deena McPhee early in the week.

Why ATCU and not ACUM?

Just as I have, many of you have become accustomed to referring to the Union as ACUM. However, you have been reading and hearing ATCU lately. This change has led to many of you asking if there has been a change in status from Mission to Union Conference. No, the Union has not been upgraded in status, but the world church, in tandem with the division, has sought to establish guidelines for the purpose of abbreviating names of unions. Therefore, certain rules for the use of acronyms must be observed.

To create the English acronyms for the Inter-American Division Unions, these rules will apply: 1. For a union with TWO words in its name, its acronym will be created using the first three letters of the first word and the first letter of the second word. 2. For a union with THREE words in its name, its acronym will be created using the first two letters of the first word, the first letter of the second word, and the first letter of the third word 3. For a union with FOUR words in its name, its acronym will be created using the first letter of each one of the four words. 4. For unions for which their acronyms would result in several consonants or vowels in a row that might present a challenge in creating an acceptable acronym, an EXCEPTION to the rules will be made.

Based on the above, the Atlantic Caribbean Union, which has three words now, changes to ATCU, taking the first two letters of the first word, Atlantic. Next, take the first letter of the second word and the first letter of the third word and hence ATCU. Also, observe our sister union, Jamaica Union. Using the principle for two words (Jamaica) the first three letters of the first word are used and the first letter of the second is also used- and therefore JAMU.